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Environment Minister Kyle Fawcett reinforced Thursday his government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its revised climate change plan. Speaking to a diverse crowd, the recently appointed minister said the new strategy is one of his priorities.

With increased awareness of the need to be environmentally sustainable, more home builders — and homebuyers — are looking at green-building practices when it comes to constructing single-family dwellings.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, have a young family, or are looking for an alternative to big-city living, there’s something for you at The Whitney, Landmark Homes’ newest multi-family community in Cochrane’s scenic Fireside neighbourhood.

Windows are an important part of any home, letting in light and providing views while sealing out harsh outdoor weather. But windows also have an effect on a home’s energy efficiency. And that’s why upcoming changes to Alberta’s building code will require the use of updated windows. “A window is not just a piece of glass anymore. It’s a piece of technology,” says Joan Maisonneuve, policy manager with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-Alberta.

New homes built in Alberta in coming years will have fresher air, be more energy efficient and cost less to run. Energy efficiency is improving with new standards coming in building envelope; lighting; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; service water heating; and electrical power systems and motors.

Albertans were asked Wednesday to reduce power consumption in the wake of an unexpected power plant shutdown that has left the province’s electricity system “stressed.” With temperatures across Alberta hitting the 30C mark and higher, the province’s power grid is carrying a heavy load. On Tuesday afternoon, demand for power spiked to a record 10,413 MW, according to the Alberta Electric System Operator.

A builder known for its eco-friendly homes is bringing a new multi-family project to Cochrane.
Landmark Homes has opened pre-sales on townhouses in the community of Fireside. This is the builder’s first such development in the town.

Almira Sunderji initially thought she would buy an apartment-style condo downtown, but when she started to looking closer to work in northeast Calgary, she soon discovered the northwest had all she wanted in the condo lifestyle.

If you sat in the dark for an hour Saturday, you barely had an impact on total energy demand in Calgary. Enmax figures show that Calgarians maintained a tradition of indifference to Earth Hour, the global event that encourages people to shut off their lights to raise awareness about climate change.

WestJet is growing again, announcing plans Thursday to expand its fleet by purchasing 65 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The deal means the Calgary-based airline — slated to take delivery of the planes between 2017 and 2027 — will become the first in Canada to fly the MAX, which is still under development by Boeing.

Built Green Canada has branched out with a new plan for energy efficiency in multi-family development. Since 2003, the third-party national certification program has offered builders a rating based on the construction methods and materials used in single-family homes.

EDMONTON — Alberta’s heat wave sparked a record summer demand on the province’s deregulated electrical grid Tuesday, but electric system officials say it was the failure of a single transformer at a substation near Edmonton that triggered rolling blackouts in parts of the province.

CALGARY — Heavy oil’s public image weighed heavily on speakers as the Society of Petroleum Engineers opened its Canadian conference in Calgary on Tuesday. Keynote speaker Rick George, who retired after 20 years as chief executive of Suncor Inc. last year, said he takes part of the blame for failing to be quick enough to defend the industry, adding he thinks Canada’s environmental record is better than that of the United States.

The 19th annual Willow Park Wines & Spirits (WPWS) Charity Wine Auction, held Nov. 3 at WPWS, was surely one of the best events of the fall social season. The Venice-themed event was sold out weeks prior. More than 450 elegantly attired guests donned their Venetian finest to sip and bid on some of the finest libations there are. Superb samplings from the city’s top restaurants, dancing to the Real Deal Band and over-the-top live auction items ensured all had a memorable time. The event raised $230,000 for Alberta Guide Dog Association, The Poppy Fund & Veterans Food Bank, Haskayne School of Business and Prostate Cancer Centre.

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